Hartlepool United ticket deadline approaches

EXISTING Hartlepool United season ticket holders have until 5pm today to guarantee the same seat for the 2013-14 campaign – as sales approach the 900 mark.

After the Friday deadline, all seats at Victoria Park will be released on general sale so fans are being encouraged by club officials to make their way to the ticket office, in Clarence Road, to confirm their renewals.

Officials say they are pleased with sales so far, with adult season tickets available for £150.

The ticket office usually closes at 4pm during the week, but will be kept open an extra hour today to give supporters an extra chance to renew.

By yesterday morning, season ticket sales had reached the 800 mark and were expected to be around 900 by the end of the day.

Mark Simpson, the club’s media manager, said: “Adults are paying just £150 for their season tickets, which works out at an incredible £6.52 per game, while children can watch the whole campaign for as little as £50, or £2.17 per game.”

Colin Cooper was last week named as the new manager of League Two side Hartlepool.

The former Middlesbrough academy coach replaced John Hughes who was sacked earlier this month following Pools’ relegation to League Two.

Cooper was the early favourite for the job, and the 46-year-old is entering his first full-time management position, having previously taken caretaker charge of both Boro and Bradford City.

He will be assisted in his managerial duties at Victoria Park by former Boro team-mate and Pools midfielder Craig Hignett.